Letters: Nov. 13, 2006

(4 of 5)

The U.S. must aid Iraqis as they develop their fledgling government, ensuring that oil profits are shared among the country's factions. With more security, a new infrastructure and a government that they can have a say in, Iraqis could have a more hopeful and satisfying life, and a more stable region could be ensured. The U.S. should show that it isn't interested in "owning" Iraq by eliminating most of its 14 bases there. That approach, however, would seem impossible under the current U.S. Administration. Fresh new faces and vision are sorely needed for the world to see that Americans really want the best for the Iraqis.

DEBBIE METKE Milwaukee, Wis.

Bad Faith

RE "Why a Christian in the White House Felt Betrayed" [Oct. 23]: As a member of an evangelical Lutheran congregation, I do not feel betrayed or disenfranchised by the story of the White House's political maneuverings to gain Christian conservatives' votes. I was never inspired by this President's profession of faith--not by the story of his born-again triumph over alcohol or by his wish to help the poor and needy and certainly not by his purported Christian values toward his fellow man. On the other hand, his lack of statesmanship, his arrogant management style and his lack of intellectual curiosity send clear messages of a man in a job over his head. I remain hopeful that our next national leader will demonstrate more competence and simply subscribe to the doctrine of treating others as you wish to be treated.

RICK EULO Rosemont, Pa.

I feel that David Kuo, the former second-in-command in the President's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, is a smart man, but I am shocked that he bought into the promises of the current Administration lock, stock and barrel. This country is too religiously diverse for one religion to have an office in the White House. I am sorry for Kuo's feeling of personal betrayal, but what happened to the Evangelicals was just politics as usual.

JOAN BURKE

Oyster Bay, N.Y.

Teens at the Wheel

Kudos for the insightful story "Putting Limits on Teen Drivers" [Oct. 23]. TIME identified two of the root causes for the horrific teen driving statistics: the developing adolescent brain and parents who think accidents happen only to other people's kids. Having trained one of my teenagers to drive, I concur with your story's conclusion that adding new laws and restrictions on teenagers is a good beginning, but parents must add more rigor and oversight as their children are taught to drive.

CHRIS ADAMS Cincinnati, Ohio

I was glad to learn that so many states have adopted laws lengthening the waiting period before teens can obtain a "go anywhere, anytime" driver's license. As the mother of eight kids, I understand fatigue from constant chaperoning. But I would rather chaperone than bury my child or know that my child caused someone's death. The laws are in place to protect not only teen drivers but also their passengers and other drivers on the road with them.

JENNIFER L. SUTTON Arlington, Tenn.

Don't Sneer at Our Heroes